Maybe you’re feeling down today. You may be wrestling with a personal or professional problem. You might not know if anyone can or should help.

You may feel like it’s not really a big deal, or if you should draw this much attention to something so silly.

If you feel this might be you, read on. Your concerns are valid, and you are worth being heard.

By the end of this article, you’ll know how to evaluate whether therapy is right for you.

 

You should find a therapist if:

• Your life has somehow changed recently
• You can’t quite seem to cope with the change adequately
• You feel overwhelmed
• You want to maintain your well-being
• You want to get to know yourself
• You think there’s a chance therapy could help

Today, we’ll talk about the first three. (Part 2 will cover the last three).

 

Your life has somehow changed recently

 

Maybe you chose for your life to change. Maybe you took a new step forward in your career. Maybe you chose to leave a long-time partner. Maybe you chose to move to a new apartment.

Or, maybe something happened to you that caused your life to change. Maybe a romantic partner moved on. Maybe you lost your job. Maybe you remembered a moment of abuse.

Any of these changes can trigger feelings of anxiety, stress and resentment. You may feel overwhelmed, or simply don’t know what to do with the new circumstances life has brought you.

All of these reactions are completely normal.

If you feel you may need help, you have every right to reach out for it. You don’t need to justify it to yourself or anybody else. (You can always reach out to us here!)

One of the best things you can do for yourself is reach out for help. An experienced counselor will help you navigate this time of change and come through the other side more aware of yourself and more empowered to advocate for yourself.

You can’t quite seem to cope with the change adequately.

 

Every single person you’ve ever met has coping mechanisms to deal with stress. Some coping mechanisms are:

• Taking deep breaths
• Going for a walk
• Having a glass of wine
• Eating too much
• Using sex to numb feelings of inadequacy
• Lashing out at others
• Pretending the stress doesn’t exist
• Getting a furry companion

Obviously, some of these coping mechanisms are healthier than others! Taking deep breaths, going for a walk, and even having a glass of wine can all be great ways to cope with less severe stress, changes, or anxiety.

We all need healthy coping mechanisms to mediate stress and anxiety in our lives. But sometimes, even healthy coping mechanisms can fail us. We may still feel worked up after going for a walk. We may wake up after having too many drinks and remember the feelings of shame or fear.

And the less healthy coping mechanisms will tend to let you down.

If you find yourself unable to cope with change in a healthy way, it may be time to get in touch with a counselor.

You feel overwhelmed

 

If your feelings of fear, anxiety, or shame are interfering with your ability to focus or think clearly, it’s likely time to go see a counselor.

If you just can’t seem to right the ship, so to speak, and move on with your life, this is an indication that you need to reach out for help.

You may find yourself less able to concentrate at work. You may find yourself less creative, less spontaneous, and less positive. You may go into hyper-activity, in order to escape your feelings. You may become sedentary, overwhelmed by the weight of them.

It’s absolutely okay to feel these things. Counselors are trained professionals who can help you see a way out.

Conclusion

 

In sum, you likely need to go to therapy if your life has changed recently, if you can’t seem to cope, and you feel overwhelmed.

Feeling like you might need a counselor is enough of a reason to reach out for help. You have nothing to lose and everything to gain!

Feel free to reach out to us and schedule an appointment at your convenience. We’re always here, ready to help.